The 14 Best Dry Scalp Treatments, According to Hair Experts

Say goodbye to flakes and itching.

Gabrielle Ulubay's avatar
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Last updated In Buying Guides
woman soothing her dry scalp in the shower
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For many of us, the sheer number of products in our bathrooms testifies to the commitment we have to caring for our hair. From high-quality shampoos and conditioners to hair growth oils and leave-ins, we do our very best to ensure that our locks are healthy, shiny, and frizz-free. However, many of us find our efforts thwarted when we're faced with the dreaded issue of a dry, itchy, and often flaky scalp. Not only can this cause unrelenting discomfort, but flakiness can also result in self-consciousness (not to mention a fear of wearing black shirts).

"Dry scalp presents with small dry flakes and an itchy scalp and often coincides with dry skin on other parts of the body," explains Dr. Snehal Amin, MD, co-founder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology "Basically, a lack of moisture is the cause for the itchy, flaky skin seen with dry scalp. In contrast, with dandruff, the issue is an oily scalp which presents with larger yellow/white oily flakes."

But what causes a dry scalp and, once that dryness comes about, what can we do to fight it? We've consulted Dr. Amin along with Hairstory hairdresser Jennifer Covington-Bowers to learn about what causes scalp irritation, how to prevent it, and what products can be used to treat it.

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What Causes a Dry, Irritated Scalp?

"Hair care products, dry, cold winter weather and aging are all potential etiologic factors for this condition," says Dr. Amin. "Shampoos and other hair care products can deplete the hair of oils, leaving the scalp feeling stripped and irritated. The skin of the scalp ages just as it does on the rest of your body. Aging skin, including on the scalp, is more dry and less able to hold moisture."

Covington-Bowers adds that skin conditions such as scalp psoriasis and eczema can also aggravate one's scalp. She continues, “Other triggers include environmental factors, certain hair products, hormonal changes, dietary triggers, excessive washing, and genetics.” One can also be diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis (seb derm), which results in inflamed, scale-like patches on the scalp.

If you're concerned about scalp irritation and want to get to the bottom of the issue, both of our experts stress the importance of seeing a physician who can give you a proper diagnosis. "It is important to note that a dry, itchy, and even flaky scalp can be a symptom of many different medical conditions. The underlying cause can be infectious, inflammatory, or even neoplastic in nature," says Dr. Amin. "The first step is actually to see your dermatologist to confirm the correct diagnosis."

How to Prevent Scalp Irritation

Anxious about scalp irritation and eager to avoid it? Us, too. And while dandruff, itching, and dryness are relatively common problems, there are several means of maintaining good scalp health in order to prevent them.

First and foremost, Dr. Amin says to keep an eye on the ingredients in your hair care products, listing sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, silicone, and fragrance as the most important components to avoid. He explains, "Sulfates are foaming agents which are harsh and deplete the hair of oils. The ingredient which may not be as intuitive of a problem is silicone, [which] coats the hair and gives it sheen." However, he says that silicones "repel water and keeps the hair and scalp from getting the moisture it needs." Finally, he says, "Parabens and formaldehydes are preservatives which are absorbed by the skin and cause allergies and irritations."

Meanwhile, Covington-Bowers advises her clients to avoid irritating their scalps by washing their hair too frequently. “When we over-wash our hair it strips the natural oils that we need to keep both the hair and scalp hydrated," she says.

Treating Scalp Irritation

If you're struggling with a dry, flaky, or otherwise irritated scalp, don't worry: Relief is within reach. In addition to switching out any damaging hair products for gentler ones, Dr. Amin recommends introducing new products into your haircare regimen, such as a scalp scrub.

"Scalp scrubs are exfoliants that are used to boost the health of the scalp by removing product build-up," explains Dr. Amin, adding that scrubs also "invigorate hair follicles clogged by accumulation of dead cells, dirt, and debris. This helps alleviate dry scalp by allowing the hair and scalp's natural oils to come through. If you have dandruff, scalp scrubs are also helpful in removing overgrowth of yeast."

I, too, use a scalp scrub as needed, but I'll admit that application feels tricky at first—particularly if you have long hair. For that reason, we asked Dr. Amin for a bit of help.

"Scrub treatments are focused on the scalp, so the product should be placed on the head, gently massaged with small circular motions, and then rinsed," he says. "Do this after shampooing, while the hair is still wet. For people with a dry scalp, try adding this to your routine once every other week. Over-exfoliating can be damaging, so it is important not to overdo it."

Additionally, it's important to stay on top of your supplement game when trying to keep your scalp in tip-top shape. One of my favorites? Fatty15's C15:0. "Fatty15 contains a molecule called pentadecanoic acid, which is a type of fatty acid that is thought to play a role in improving the skin's lipid barrier," says dermatologist Dendy Engleman, M.D., FACMS, FAAD. "This barrier is particularly important for locking in moisture as well as protecting the skin from external stressors and irritants, which is an essential part of maintaining scalp and skin health." In short, fatty acids help to fortify the skin (and by extension, the scalp), making it less prone to adverse conditions.

"It is also thought that this fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially help reduce potential triggers for many scalp conditions, such as psoriasis," Dr. Engelman adds. "Fatty acids are key to achieving a balanced scalp because they play a foundational role in promoting skin hydration while also balancing sebum production." With that being said, supplements aren't one size fits all and what works for me may not work for you. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any new ingestibles.

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Meet the Experts

Dr. Snehal Amin
Dr. Snehal Amin, MD

Dr. Snehal Amin is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and dermatologist. He graduated from Harvard College, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Cornell-New York Hospital Dermatology Residency, and went on to serve as Director of Mohs, Laser and Dermatologic Surgery at New York Medical College. Since then, he has founded MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York City and started teaching as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College.

Jennifer Covington-Bowers
Jennifer Covington-Bowers

Jennifer Covington-Bowers is a hairstylist and colorist based in New York City. In addition to working with private clients, she has assisted fashion photographers, beauty brands, and have been on beauty teams at New York Fashion Week.

Dr. Dendy Engelman headshot
Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD

Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist known for her expertise in cosmetic and surgical dermatology, specializing in advanced skin treatments and patient care.

Gabrielle Ulubay
Gabrielle Ulubay
Former Beauty Writer

Gabrielle Ulubay is a Former Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual wellness, politics, culture, and fashion at Marie Claire and at publications including The New York Times, HuffPost Personal, Bustle, Alma, Muskrat Magazine, O'Bheal, and elsewhere. Her personal essay in The New York Times' Modern Love column kickstarted her professional writing career in 2018, and that piece has since been printed in the 2019 revised edition of the Modern Love book. Having studied history, international relations, and film, she has made films on politics and gender equity in addition to writing about cinema for Film Ireland, University College Cork, and on her personal blog, gabrielleulubay.medium.com.